Chizobam Iheme
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Iheme!
Chizobam Iheme is nothing short of ecstatic to work hands-on with students in their highly anticipated college process. Despite being the daughter of two Nigerian immigrants, Chizobam is a born and raised Texas native that attended college at Texas State University where she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice with high honors. During her time there, Chizobam was highly involved with the community and learned the impact of cultural nuances through her involvement with organizations such African Student Association and Black Student Association. While attending college, she grew to be aware of the lack of mental health resources that existed for students of color, leading her to co-found “Miss Understood,” an organization that highlights the importance of mental health amongst people of color. In addition, Chizobam collaborated with the Texas State University President, Provost, Chairs of Diversity and Inclusion, etc. in order to ensure that faculty and student needs alike were highlighted and met. When Chizobam is not involved in social consciousness efforts, you can catch her weightlifting in the gym, cooking, creating playlists, or filming content for her podcast!
Lesli Martinez
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Martinez!
Lesli Martinez is excited to serve as the Lead College Advisor for Thomas Jefferson High School. As a Dallas ISD and ASP alumna, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Midwestern State University.
Before becoming a college advisor, Lesli was a liaison for children with intellectual disabilities where she advocated for the children at school and in the community. She also enjoyed some time at UT Southwestern Medical Center doing research in depression and anxiety and as a Vaccine Outreach Coordinator for the City of Garland Public Health. She is now ready to be an advocate for her students and help them with everything related to the college application process.
Being a first-generation student, she is passionate about having students feeling supported and excited about applying to college. During her free time, Lesli enjoys going to concerts, exploring coffee shops, and walking her two fur babies, Noli and Coffee.
Lucy Erspamer
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Erspamer!
Lucy Erspamer is absolutely excited to return to Thomas Jefferson High School to continue advising who she believes to be the greatest students in the DFW metroplex, (and beyond.)
Ms. Erspamer was born and raised in East Dallas and is a proud product of DISD schools. She attended Harry Stone Montessori and BTWHSPVA, where she discovered her love of writing. Ms. Erspamer continued her education with a BFA in Comedic Arts with a concentration in comedy writing at Emerson College, located in Boston, MA.
Ms. Erspamer grew up aware of the opportunity gap affecting the students in DISD. She is dedicated to affording the same access she had to college to the students that she advises. As a writer herself, Ms. Erspamer loves listening to students’ experiences and helping them understand that they too have a story worth telling.
In her free time, Ms. Erspamer is a voracious reader, and finishes over 100 books every year. Do not let her see you with a book unless you are ready for a long conversation.
Lucero Ramirez
Students and Families: CLICK HERE to connect with Ms. Ramirez!
Lucero Ramirez is excited to serve Thomas Jefferson High School students by helping them in their college process. She was born and raised in East Dallas and is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in USLA – Race, Gender, Ethnicity with minors in Latino/a Mexican American and Environmental Geosciences.
Shortly after graduating she had the opportunity to work for the Texas A&M University chapter of the National College Advising Corps. There she served as a College Adviser for two years in Mesquite ISD and then continued her passion for college access at Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep. Ms. Ramirez believes education should be accessible for all and encourages students from all backgrounds to reach their dreams and aspirations.
Some of her interests beyond college access include visiting local coffee shops, supporting small businesses, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.